PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Zack Wheeler didn’t make MLB's All-Star team.
The Phillies ace was not selected as one of the pitchers for the National League in the July 19 midsummer classic at Dodger Stadium.
He was not voted in by his peers, nor did MLB pick him to fill out the roster, despite his 2.46 ERA being fifth in the National League.
“There’s a lot more All-Stars in this room that are very deserving of it, and it’s kind of a shame,” Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber said via NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Schwarber, who leads the National League with 28 home runs, was chosen as a reserve.
Schwarber and injured star Bryce Harper are the Phillies’ only representatives. Harper, who was voted by the fans as the National League’s starting designated hitter, won’t play because of his fractured thumb.
Schwarber believes Wheeler, as well as starting pitcher Aaron Nola, reliever Seranthony Dominguez and first baseman Rhys Hoskins, deserved to make the cut.
Whether due to injuries or unavailable pitchers because of their rotation schedule, there’s still a chance other Phillies — most notably, Wheeler — could make it on the All-Star team as a replacement. Still, it remains a snub nonetheless.
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Meanwhile, Schwarber said it’s an honor to represent the Phillies. Last year, with the Nationals, was Schwarber’s first All-Star nod, even though he was injured and couldn’t play. This year — barring nothing happens within the next week — he’ll get to play for the first time.
Whether or not Schwarber participates in the Home Run Derby is another matter. He said he will decide in the coming days.
“It’s fun, but it’s also taxing,” Schwarber said. “You weigh off the pros and cons.”
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Schwarber played in the 2018 Home Run Derby as a Chicago Cub and lost in the final round to Harper, who was on the Nationals at the time. Ironically, Hoskins was in that derby as well. Now, they’re all on the same team.